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11-19-2005, 03:44 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,335
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Load distribution hitches-an analysis
For some years I have been thinking about some mathematical analysis to help understand how load distribution hitches operate. I’ve made my brain ache while considering dynamic behavior, including consideration of the different spring ratings of the various axles on the tow vehicle and trailer. After several fruitless attempts, I’ve decided to keep my analysis very simple, and only to examine the static situation in a non-rigorous manner. I’m going to make several incorrect assumptions, on the basis that they will only marginally affect the numerical results, while making a simple analysis possible, and some practical knowledge realizable. (For example, I assume the vehicles have no sprung or rubber suspension, so that the vehicles remain horizontal throughout) For those with little mathematical knowledge, rest assured that I will only be using the “balanced seesaw” method of calculating the forces in a static system. For example: Let us consider a small child of weight S, and a heavier child of weight B. They sit at opposite ends of a seesaw. For the seesaw to balance horizontally and remain level, the leverage (turning moment) exerted by each child must be equal. The turning moment of a force is equal to the magnitude of the force, multiplied by the distance of the weight from the turning point. To balance the seesaw, the heavier child, B, moves in towards the pivot, and at a distance L from the pivot, the seesaw balances. The turning moment of “child with weight B” about the pivot is thus B multiplied by the distance L, written as B*L. The other child, weight S, is sitting at a distance D from the pivot. This smaller child has a turning moment about the pivot of S multiplied by D, written as S*D. As the seesaw is balanced, the turning moments are equal and opposite in rotation, so we can write
B*L=S*D
If we divide both sides of this equation by B, using the symbol / to show division, we have
L=(S*D)/B
We can now answer the following type of question: How far (L) from the pivot of a seesaw does an 80 pound child (B) have to sit to balance a 50 pound child (S) who is 8 feet (D) from the pivot?. From the above equation, L= (50*8)/80 hence L=5 feet from the pivot.
We can now use this tool to consider a tow vehicle (TV) where:
W is the wheelbase of the tow vehicle (distance between front and rear axles)
H is the horizontal distance from the rear axle to the hitch ball
A travel trailer with tongue weight T is placed on the hitch. The back of the truck goes down, and the front goes up. The load distribution bars are left unconnected.
If we apply a downward corrective force, which we will call C, to the front axle of the tow vehicle, we can restore the front of the vehicle to its original position and loading. To calculate the value of C, we take turning moments about the rear axle of the tow truck:
C*W=T*H and hence
C= (T*H)/W , equation 1, giving the corrective force required to load down the front axle of the TV
The load distribution bars are now attached, and the chains adjusted until the front of the tow vehicle is lowered to its original height. That is, the bars are supplying the required downward force C at the front axle.
L is the length of the travel trailer from the hitch ball to the mid-point of its axle system. (In a triple axle, the middle axle, in a single axle, that axle, and in a double axle, the point half way between the axles.)
B is the length of the load distribution bars.
D is the total tension force in the load distribution chains.
Taking moments about the hitch ball for the trailer, the turning moment of the force D pulls down on the A frame, and this causes a compensating upward ground reaction A, at the travel trailer axles:
A*L=B*D and hence D= (A*L)/B (equation 2)
If, for the combined TV and trailer rig, we take moments about the rear axle of the TV:
C*W=A*(H+L) and hence A=(C*W)/(H+L) (equation 3), combined with equation 1, gives
A= (T*H)/(H+L) , equation 4, giving the load transferred to the trailer axles
The total weight of the rig remains unchanged, so the downward load increase at the front axle of the TV, C, and the downward loading of the trailer axles, A, must be balanced by a reduced loading, U, on the TV rear axle. Thus, U=A+C, and from equations 4 and 1, we have
U= ((T*H)/(H+L))+((T*H)/W) and hence
U= (T*H*(W+H+L))/(W*(H+L)) , equation 6, giving the reduced loading on the TV rear axle
From equations 2 and 4,
D=(C*W*L)/(B(H+L)) (equation 7)
From equations 7 and 1,
D= (((T*H)/W)*W*L)/(B(H+L)) and hence
D= (T*H*L)/(B(H+L)) ,equation 8, giving the total chain tension required
Let’s inject some real world figures into the equations. The approximate figures, guessing from memory, (forces in pounds, lengths in inches) for my trailer are:
T, tongue weight, = 800
H, rear overhang =60
L, trailer hitch to axle = 170
B, length of load bars = 33
W, tow vehicle wheelbase = 160
Inserting these values into the equations gives:
To restore the front level of the TV requires a total spring tension of 1075 pounds (537.5 in each chain). This will provide a download on the front axle of 300 pounds, a download on the trailer axles of 209 pounds, and a reduction in the TV rear axle loading of 509 pounds. The value of the extra load R on the rear axle, when the trailer with tongue weight T is hitched up without the chains, is obtained by taking moments about the front axle of the TV:
T*(W+H)=R*W and hence
R=(T*(W+H))/W , equation 9, giving the extra load on the rear axle before the chains are attached.
For my rig, R=1100 pounds
When the chains are attached, R is reduced by U, the uplift from the chain tension, so the final extra load E on the TV rear axle after the trailer is attached and the chains are tightened is given by:
E=R-U so from equations 9 and 6, after simplification,
E=(T*L)/(H+L) , equation 10, giving the final extra load on the TV rear axle, with chains tightened.
Inputting the values for my rig gives E=591 pounds
These equations help me to understand what happens when I connect my Excella to my Dodge truck. To summarize: When I lower the cup onto the ball, the 800 pound tongue weight loads the rear axle of the truck by 1100 pounds, and reduces the load on the front steering axle by 300 pounds. I then tighten the chains on the load distribution hitch, sufficient to reload the front axle to its original position and loading. The chains have to supply a tension of 1075 pounds to achieve this. The chain tension also reduces the rear axle load by 509 pounds from 1100 pounds to 591 pounds, and increases the travel trailer axle load by 209 pounds. I can obtain most of this information by going to a weigh station (which I have done), but the equations help the decision as to which strength of bars to purchase to fit to a given rig. Equation 8 gives the tension figure that can be given to the hitch manufacturer’s technical department. In words, the tension required is given by multiplying the tongue weight by the TV hitch rear overhang multiplied by the trailer length from ball to axle center, and dividing this figure by the product of the load bar length and the distance between the TV rear axle and the trailer axle center.
I chose just to restore the height of the TV front axle as my heavy duty truck is built to handle high loads on the rear axle. An uplift of the front axle is what I aim to avoid. If one wishes to add further loading to the front axle, a reasonable approximation would be to increase the chain tension in direct proportion to the desired increase. For example, if I wish to increase my front axle loading by 100 pounds from 300 to 400 pounds, an increase of 33%, I could increase the chain tension by 33% from 1075 pounds to 1433 pounds.
Interested readers could input into the equations the values for their rigs, or intended rigs. If there is sufficient interest, I could produce and e-mail a spreadsheet to do all the calculations, saving time otherwise spent with a calculator.
I would welcome comments on errors, omissions or improvements.
Nick.
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Moderator Note: An Excel spreadsheet that performs these calculations has been posted at post 69 in this thread, http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...tml#post475983
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__________________
Nick Crowhurst, Excella 25 1988, Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel. England in summer, USA in winter.
"The price of freedom is eternal maintenance."
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11-19-2005, 04:04 PM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Willis
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 111
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ok
ummmm yeah, what he said.?
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11-19-2005, 04:28 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
Detroit
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 163
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It would seem to me that there must be an easier way for one to get to 500 posts
__________________
86' 31' Sovereign
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11-19-2005, 04:30 PM
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#4
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Just an old timer...
2004 22' Interstate
Tipton
, Iowa
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,766
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Nick... this is an amazing post. You realize of course, that you lost me at " For some years"
Roger
__________________
havin' to fix my broken Airstreams since 1987...
AIR 2053 Current: 2004 Airstream Interstate "B-Van" T1N DODGE Sprinter
Former Airstreams: 1953 Flying Cloud, 1957 Overlander, 1961 Bambi, 1970 Safari Special, 1978 Argosy Minuet, 1985 325 Moho, 1994 Limited 34' Two-door, 1994 B190 "B-Van"
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11-19-2005, 04:32 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Tommy Bahama
Roseville
, California
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 679
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hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....maybe I should return to tent camping!!!!!
__________________
2019 27' Airstream Tommy Bahama
2011 GMC 3500HD Duramax
AIR #6287
TAC #CA-26
WBCCI #3933/4CU
__________________
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11-19-2005, 05:02 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 932
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I agree completely.
At the same time classical and central to modern mathematics, analysis involves studying continuous systems from dynamical systems to solutions of partial differential equations and spectra of operators.
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11-19-2005, 05:14 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
1954 25' Cruiser
1990 34.5' Airstream 345
VC Highlands
, Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,151
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Come on people! This is simple linear equations - isn't it???
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11-19-2005, 05:38 PM
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#8
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Just an old timer...
2004 22' Interstate
Tipton
, Iowa
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,766
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B'Cup... are you familiar with MEGO syndrome? It hits me every time I see an "equals" sign...
Roger
__________________
havin' to fix my broken Airstreams since 1987...
AIR 2053 Current: 2004 Airstream Interstate "B-Van" T1N DODGE Sprinter
Former Airstreams: 1953 Flying Cloud, 1957 Overlander, 1961 Bambi, 1970 Safari Special, 1978 Argosy Minuet, 1985 325 Moho, 1994 Limited 34' Two-door, 1994 B190 "B-Van"
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11-19-2005, 05:46 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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Nick,
Outstanding analysis. If someone would enter the spring rates (lbs/in deflection) for the various weight bars, we could combine this with Inland Andy's recommendation for 1-2 inch bend and tell exactly which bars to order.
I tried all you equations and they work very nicely.
Very good work!
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11-19-2005, 05:54 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
1967 17' Caravel
Bozeman
, Montana
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 49
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Um, er, I think this is why I chose a liberal arts major.
__________________
Rick T
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11-19-2005, 06:03 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
1954 25' Cruiser
1990 34.5' Airstream 345
VC Highlands
, Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,151
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 85MH325
B'Cup... are you familiar with MEGO syndrome? It hits me every time I see an "equals" sign...
Roger
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Actually I do get into stuff like this. But what is even funnier is the wonderful responses to something like this.
What would happen if you combine this with the 4 point problem of the Hensley to come up with a complete analysis of the operation of that hitch...
Aw heck - I'll pass for now. I have a leak to fix...
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11-19-2005, 06:36 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Currently Looking...
Chandler
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,770
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WHAT DID HE SAY? He is for it or against it. Boy am I lost. And I just got a new equalizer hitch and sway bar.
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11-19-2005, 06:36 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1959 22' Caravanner
Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,197
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U b a smart feller.....Makes PERFECT sense.........on a "static" model.
Now figure in "brake dive" and the loss of friction coefficient on a Reese Dual cam saddle as the pressure releases at the end of the bars. If you want to get fancy then figure in an evasive maneuver and the resulting body roll on the TV that will unload the bars at different rates.
That will once and for all put it to rest what bars with how much deflection is needed to make a DC work properly in an emergency situation and back up Inland Andy's observations about "over hitched".
__________________
1959 22' Caravanner
1988 R20 454 Suburban.
Atlanta, GA
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11-19-2005, 07:11 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2006 30' Classic
Farmington
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 826
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My wife says She would sure hate to live with that Guy!!!!!!!!!!
Pieman
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11-19-2005, 07:27 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 932
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 59toaster
U b a smart feller.....
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What if you switched the "sm" and the "f"
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11-19-2005, 07:30 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1959 22' Caravanner
Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,197
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardT
What if you switched the "sm" and the "f"
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He would have to chang his nick to "stinky" then.
__________________
1959 22' Caravanner
1988 R20 454 Suburban.
Atlanta, GA
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11-19-2005, 08:09 PM
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#17
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_
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, .
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,812
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hi nick and others
this is a good effort and explanation of what load bars do and how much (proportional weight) force is required to redistribute tongue weight... redistributing tongue load takes less bar deflection with short trucks and trailers....right?
you must me in mathematics nick?
it always gets "deep" when words are combined with math forumla...i've always thought graphics with math made for better understanding.
my background is medicine, so i only understand enough math and physics to kill folks...
now for a couple of issues/questions....i agree the trailer can function like a simple seesaw (single fulcrum lever) but the truck? wouldn't we need to know the center of gravity/balance point for the truck? most of the diesel rigs are very front heavy...until we get the beds loaded up....but still seems we'd need to know cog instead of just the overhand?
next the load bars are steel with a stiffness/deflection/elasticity that isn't linear...what i'm trying to say is that as the bars bend the force needed to bend them changes....although your example does focus on lbs of force not inches of flex...but as the bars flex the 'effectiveness' of their force transfer changes...? increasing force from 1000 to 1400 doesn't really move 1/3 more does it?
and wouldn't you really need an inline tensiometer on the chains/worm drives to measure the lbs of force generated in the load bars?
so would i use a spreadsheet to set up my rig....not at this point. i think there are too many variables not accounted for, for the math to be accurate....the cat scales would still seem a better method.
lastly...even if you finesse the math some this still doesn't help those folks trying to understand inland andy's issue of shaking the trailers (and nick isn't trying to explain this)...........
inland andy's concept of light bars on stiff trucks.... is really about trying to decrease transmission of high frequency/low amplitude vibration....i think.
cheers
2air'
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11-19-2005, 09:14 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1976 25' Tradewind
.
, Maine to Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 622
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Keep It Simple
Very nice thought chain. Good work. Thanks for sharing.
I called the manufacturer and asked enough questions until satisfied about the answers for our setup.
But there is more to it than this; nothing can compensate for an incompetent driver. Happy Trails.
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11-19-2005, 10:08 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
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The "why" works for me...
C'mon y'all -- if you hadn't been dear hunting last weekend you'd have seen this post that probably was the final stimulus to get Nick thinking: http://www.airforums.com/forum...rty-19133.html
What we really need is more dialog at the level 59toaster & 2airishuman are suggesting. It's not easy to understand but there are some tough choices to analyze. Nick, I'm following so far. Thanks!
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11-20-2005, 06:34 AM
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#20
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Moderator Emeritus
1972 31' Sovereign
High Springs
, Florida
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 2,311
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Loved that post Nick. What would really be interesting, is if we could find some electronic tension sensors, similar to what they use to convert old beam scales to electronic scales. Replace a link in each chain with the sensors, and actually measure the tension. Then drive down the road and watch the chain tension change. Of course we would have to have a laptop recording and graphing all this........
__________________
ARS WA8ZYT
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce!
Air # 283
WBCCI 1350
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